THE WAIKARE WRECK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 3

THE WAIKARE WRECK.

PROSPECTS OF SALVAGE. (From Our Bluff Correspondent.) FRIDAY, March 4. The Sounds freezer craft Gisborne arrived unexpectedly at the Bluff on Thursday evening. She came direct from Stop Island, Dusky Sound. Mr Bragg, who was a. passenger, reports that the Kekeno, in company with the Gisborne, left Half-moon, Bay three weeks ago, and after spending two days ; n Preservation Inlet went on to Dusky Sound, where both crafts have been standing by the wreck and engaging in a little fishing from time to time a« opportunity offered. Mr Bragg reports having taken soundings on the outside* of the wreck, marking from six fathoms and a-half up to eight fathoms. The propeller end of the vessel is resting on a .bank of sand. When making observations he could see distinctly one blade sunk deep down into the sand. Further along there was exposed to view a savage-looking tear in the bottom—openmouthed and ragged at the edges. He estimates it to be about 2ft in length. After skipping some distance along the bottom the tear again makes its appearance in another rent of about 18in. These rents are estimated to be 4ft from the keel—between it and the rolling chocks. These two holes are undoubtedly the primary cause of the catastrophe. Although in a direct line with each other, Mr Bragg thin!™ ihey must have been caused by

separate and distinct reef-knobs. The space between the two apertures presents no appearance of violence, so tar at least as he could judge. Mr Bragg’s idea is that if the wreck could be warped up on an oven keel there would not be much difficulty in floating the vessel off. It is understood the diver and wreck expert will reach New Zealand early next week. The Anna, ketch, belonging to Mr R. Crockett and others, is being fitted out for the occasion, and will convey the diver and his gang to Dusky Sound without delay. Meantime a conference of the wreck recovery party will be held and the prospects fully discussed.